tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227892082017-09-07T23:58:35.314-04:00Power Supplies, Energy Efficiency, Generatorssmps power supplies, electric generators, energy and other related topicsLazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplieshttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-77914244479840187672016-12-23T13:07:00.004-05:002016-12-23T13:07:38.549-05:00TI Power Supply Design Seminar 2016This year TI power supply design seminar (formerly Unitrode) includes the following topics:<br /><br /><ul><li>Design of a high-frequency series capacitor buck converter- presented 2-channel buck in which one channel has a series capacitor;</li><li>Flyback transformer design considerations for efficiency and EMI- a new funny way of constructing flyback transformer that supposedly minimizes energy losses due to proximity effect and leakage inductance;</li><li>Switch-mode power converter compensation-&nbsp;a step-by-step process that engineers can follow to compensate a power converter;</li><li>Bidirectional DC/DC converter topology comparison and design-&nbsp;automotive 48-V/12-V bidirectional converter;</li><li>SiC and GaN applied to high-frequency power- examines wide bandgap (WBG) silicon (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power devices;</li><li>Under the hood of a noninverting buck-boost converter- various non-inverting topologies;</li><li>Design review of a 2-kW parallelable power-supply module- CCM PFC front end followed by current mode-controlled isolated DC/DC resonant ZVT phase-shifted full-bridge converter with synchronous rectification.</li></ul><div>This year for the first time TI did not publish a complete seminar book like they used to do before, but provided only short slides. The texts of the presentations is not on their website yet- usually they do if after they finish the entire seminar series. Some of the the past seminar topics you can find <a href="http://www.smps.us/Unitrode.html"><b><span style="color: blue;">here</span></b></a>.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/OgJhEmr-KRQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2016/12/ti-power-supply-design-seminar-2016.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-44395308493054176322016-09-05T15:25:00.002-04:002016-10-09T17:01:15.949-04:00How to Insert Chapter-Based Right-Aligned Equation Numbers In MS Word 2010&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;If you write an article for a journal, a diploma project or a dissertation you may wonder how to insert automatically updated right-aligned equation numbers based on chapters. In other words, for example, math equations in chapter 1 should be referenced to as (1.1), (1.2), etc., and these captions should be on the right edge of a page. Microsoft geniuses somehow used not to think about a built-in method of numbering equations until Office 2016. Having searched the web, I found a cool table-based method provided by Dr.Franklin in this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM57WvO20KA" target="_blank">video</a>. However, this video described only a basic numbering, which does not say how to include the chapter number. I’ll show you below how to easily expand this method into a chapter-based numbering.<br /><br />Most steps are just per the video. First insert table with one raw and 2 columns, and adjust the width of the right column like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdzmqVjdJsQ/V83EV879ZMI/AAAAAAAAFuA/hRb9-LkJcRk8OAOovswbqeY7mKutbZP6QCLcB/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="32" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdzmqVjdJsQ/V83EV879ZMI/AAAAAAAAFuA/hRb9-LkJcRk8OAOovswbqeY7mKutbZP6QCLcB/s400/table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />If you want formulas to be exactly centered on the page, you can optionally insert 3rd column on the left &nbsp;with the same width as the right column. Type parenthesis in the right column and click inside them. Then click Insert---&gt;Quick Parts ---&gt;Field. Scroll down to StyleRef. &nbsp;You will get a menu like you see below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zd5e-6kESRs/V83EiZ1lq0I/AAAAAAAAFuE/SNDWPuK5yAIoCnWAbn1EMV4M-F8bJddgQCLcB/s1600/insert_chapter_number.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zd5e-6kESRs/V83EiZ1lq0I/AAAAAAAAFuE/SNDWPuK5yAIoCnWAbn1EMV4M-F8bJddgQCLcB/s640/insert_chapter_number.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Check Insert paragraph number in the Field options, and under Style name select the section which you want to be the base of the numbering. If, for example, your chapters are based on Heading 1, select it in Style name. When you hit OK, it will print the number of the current "Heading 1" chapter. Then type period (dot) and click again Insert---&gt;Quick Parts ---&gt;Field. This time scroll down to Seq (which is sequence field). Add a name to this sequence, for example Seq eq.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMrUUsAih4Y/V83E-8Y4g8I/AAAAAAAAFuI/p9Npw6Qhqbs-n9wcAPyu4VAn3dG1ZnhqwCLcB/s1600/numbering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMrUUsAih4Y/V83E-8Y4g8I/AAAAAAAAFuI/p9Npw6Qhqbs-n9wcAPyu4VAn3dG1ZnhqwCLcB/s640/numbering.jpg" width="640" rel="insert chapter-based equation number in MS Word" /></a></div><br /><br />When you hit OK it will print the number 1. In our example, if you do it in the Chapter 1, the result in right column will look like (1.1). Every time you repeat this procedure the numbers will automatically update sequentially. Optionally, you can click in the main column and then click Insert---&gt;Equation. This will place an equation placeholder there. Finally, select the entire table and get rid of borders.<br /><br />To simplify the process so that you won’t have to repeat it manually every time you insert a math formula, &nbsp;you can save all this as an auto text. Select entire table and click Quick Parts---&gt;Auto text---&gt;Save &nbsp;the selection in auto text gallery. When you will need to place the next formula, you will just go Quick Parts---&gt;Auto text and select your saved auto text. This method will likely work in Word 2013, although I did not try it.<br /><br />By the way, Equation Editor is an optional component of MS Word. You need to select it when you first install Word.<br /><div><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/B-PDMGwLZzA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com1http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2016/09/insert-chapter-based-equation-numbers.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-13564752863870523222015-12-06T14:51:00.000-05:002015-12-06T14:53:28.068-05:00Drone Package Deliveries I like an idea of getting a package by a <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-drones-alphabet-idUSKCN0SR20520151103#4x28QSeVsA1MOfgg.97" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>dron</b></span></a>. Google recently has filed a <a href="http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&amp;Sect2=HITOFF&amp;d=PG01&amp;p=1&amp;u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&amp;r=1&amp;f=G&amp;l=50&amp;s1=%2220150317597%22.PGNR.&amp;OS=DN/20150317597&amp;RS=DN/20150317597" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>patent&nbsp;application</b></span></a> on the method of dron delivery. Basically, you will need to print a barcode and display it in a “landing pad”. The article claims the delivery may start in 2017.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/iC0AiA1Vhng" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2015/12/drone-package-deliveries.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-82840627442332464712015-01-24T20:11:00.000-05:002015-01-24T20:11:41.795-05:002015 Home Generator Review and Buying GuideNeedless to say, the winter is here. During the past decade the number of power outages including weather related ones kept rising across the entire country. In 2014 alone there were more than 200 power disturbances in U.S. affecting over 16 million people. Since most electrical lines in U.S. still use overhead wires, and because of aging infrastructure of our power grid, this trend will likely continue. A lengthy power interruption is more than spoiled food or just an annoyance. It is a potential life-threatening situation. My online guide to <a href="http://www.smps.us/home-generators.html">home generators</a> provides the basics of backup power. For complete information with step-by-step instructions on selection, sizing and connecting standby and portable models see my new 2015 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Generator-Selecting-Connecting-Complete-ebook/dp/B00S481VOE/">generator review and buying guide</a>. It will save you hours of research and potentially save you money too.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/aBnQhxkZpqo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com2http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-home-generator-review-and-buying.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-55717164128589461262014-09-11T13:50:00.003-04:002014-09-11T13:52:02.910-04:00Charging Electric Car from Portable GeneratorThis <a href="http://www.gadgetreview.com/2014/09/watch-bmws-i3-electric-car-charge-from-a-home-depot-gas-powered-generator.html" target="_blank">video</a> of course is cool, but if I had a BMW I would not risk charging it from a portable generator, even from a sinewave inverter-generator like Honda. And I would never run a gas generator inside a car even with an exhaust hose.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/CcowALq0tKo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2014/09/charging-electric-car-from-portable.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-34534088399407425812014-09-09T13:11:00.003-04:002014-09-09T13:13:18.401-04:00Never Refuel a Portable Generator While It Is RunningIf you need to refuel a portable generator, you need to turn it off, wait until its case cools down and only then add the fuel. Refueling a generator while it is operating presents serious fire and burn hazards as one can see from this news <a href="http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20140906_Man_suffers_serious_burns_in_Hauula_farm_generator_fire.html?id=274251161" target="_blank">report</a>.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/PiSkwiUcf0k" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com1http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2014/09/never-refuel-running-generator.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-63720211467953030382014-08-26T15:34:00.001-04:002014-08-26T15:35:07.697-04:00HP Recalls Notebook AC Power Cords Due to Fire and Burn HazardsAccording to CPSC.gov, HP <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Hewlett-Packard-Recalls-Notebook-Computer-AC-Power-Cords/" target="_blank">recalls</a> more than 5 million power cords for HP and Compaq notebooks due to fire and burn hazards. I can understand how a sloppy designed power supply can overheat. But a power cord? Could not HP genius figure our proper wire rating?<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/5PREfkw-Czw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2014/08/hp-power-cords-fire-hazards.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-39536099216876142622014-05-26T13:37:00.005-04:002014-05-26T13:39:05.455-04:00One Million Dollar Prize for Next Generation of Power InvertersGoogle recently announced their so-called Little Box Challenge, a $1 million prize to develop the next generation of power inverters. If you want to know what power inverter is, <a href="http://www.smps.us/power-inverter.html">here</a> is the basics. Unfortunately, they did not provide any technical details on what exactly they are looking for. The referred website <a href="http://www.littleboxchallenge.com/" target="_blank">http://www.littleboxchallenge.com/</a> as of today provides zero useful info either. Hopefully, they will clarify the competition shortly.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/Xq63NrxI03M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2014/05/next-generation-of-power-inverters.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-23276295000534035702014-05-23T16:44:00.001-04:002014-05-23T16:51:43.557-04:00Another Portable Generator StolenHere is another reason to look for a permanently installed standby generator- a portable one can easily be stolen. Here is a video on how two guys took a 300-lb device. By the way, in Louisiana, flashlights, batteries, portable generators and other emergency supplies are exempt from the state sales tax this weekend. &nbsp;They give Louisiana residents a chance to get ready for storm season before the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/iframe?aspect_ratio=16x9&amp;auto_next=0&amp;auto_start=0&amp;page_count=4&amp;pf_id=1297&amp;pl_id=13616&amp;rel=3&amp;show_title=0&amp;tags=default&amp;va_id=5127327&amp;volume=8&amp;windows=1" width="425"></iframe><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/-UdtCDrUx1s" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2014/05/portable-generator-stolen.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-70207582506829663532014-01-30T12:37:00.001-05:002016-08-07T18:25:11.906-04:00Power Supply Seminar 2012/13 Textbooks OnlineThose who missed Texas Instruments latest 2012-2013 power supply design seminar can now download all the materials <a href="http://www.ti.com/ww/en/power-training/login.shtml" target="_blank">here</a>. This time they archived online both the manuals and the presentations, which are quite handy. Unfortunately, TI is doing a pretty good job making it very hard to find these files in their website. If you want to read past TI (formerly Unitrode) seminar manuals beginning 1983, I listed them all <a href="http://www.smps.us/Unitrode.html">here</a>. I&nbsp;keep maintaining and updating these links for over a decade now. Originally I got the list of their topics (which at that time was much shorter) from one of TI application engineers who interviewed me for a job. I did not get the job back then, but I got a list of the links. It was a good deal. (-:<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/vZRDV4g63HU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2014/01/power-supply-seminar-201213-pdf-online.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-10381467190247921792013-12-10T21:12:00.001-05:002013-12-10T21:12:34.650-05:00Thieves Stealing 200-lb Portable Generator One of the disadvantages of a portable generator is it can be easily stolen. This video footage shows how three suspects stolen a 200-pound generator in 52 seconds.<br><object id="otvPlayer" width="400" height="268"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=ktrk&section=&mediaId=9354961&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site=" ></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param> <embed id="otvPlayer" width="400" height="268" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=ktrk&section=&mediaId=9354961&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site="></embed></object><br> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/q4r16N6KM4s" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com1http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2013/12/thieves-stealing-200-lb-portable.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-29507656621925881702013-07-25T21:15:00.000-04:002014-01-31T12:36:25.907-05:00Subaru Portable Generators Recalled Due to Fire HazardRobin America recalled more than 4,500 Subaru portable gasoline generators because of possible fuel leak. The recalled models are SGX3500, SGX5000 and SGX7500 . These units were made in China for Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., of Tokyo. Read more and find affected serial numbers&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Subaru-Portable-Gasoline-Generators-Recalled-By-Robin-America/" target="_blank">here</a>.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/YNJX-wQPKjk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2013/07/subaru-portable-generators-recalled-due.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-34266816461820082972013-05-19T18:06:00.003-04:002014-01-31T12:36:44.997-05:00Back-Up Power for Gas Stations in NY Governor Cuomo proposed <a href="http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/02202013gas-shortage-legislation" target="_blank">new legislation</a> according to which&nbsp;all gas stations within a half-mile of highway exits and hurricane evacuation routes will be required to have a transfer switch installed by March 1, 2014 and&nbsp; deploy a generator within 24 hours of a blackout.&nbsp;This requirement would apply to&nbsp;about one-third of all NYS&nbsp;gas stations. <br /><br />In addition, the chains with 10 or more stations will be required to install a transfer switch for an additional 50% of their stations by March 1, 2016, and must activate a generator within 48 hours of losing power during an emergency. This requirement applies to an additional&nbsp;15% of NY gas stations.<br /><br />Finally,&nbsp;as of March 1, 2014, all newly constructed&nbsp;gas stations or&nbsp;the stations that have major renovations will be required to have a transfer switch or back-up generator installed.<br /><br />Cuomo said&nbsp;“New York State must learn the lessons from Superstorm Sandy so that we are better prepared for the future”.&nbsp;Really? I wonder if&nbsp;governor followed the news during Sandy. The main problem was lack of gasoline rather than&nbsp;loss of power by gas stations. How would the stations located out of town and not connected to natural gas system fuel their generators&nbsp;when they had neither gasoline or diesel? Of course they could use propane generators, but again, the stations located far away from cities&nbsp;and towns will have hard time refilling their propane tanks during a major disaster.&nbsp;If the proposed bill will pass, we will pay more&nbsp;at the pump because the stations will pass down onto us the cost of implementing the new regulation. As usual, our governor is trying to gain cheap popularity. <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/OfYf4X5Mb3k" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2013/05/back-up-power-for-gas-stations-in-ny.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-9341286302314534622013-05-02T20:43:00.000-04:002013-05-02T20:43:15.345-04:00Top Paying Engineering Majors in 2013According to a recent survey, college graduates with major in Petroleum Engineering have the highest average starting salary of $93,500.<br /><br />Here are the ten top majors by starting salary:<br /><br />Petroleum Engineering: $93,500<br />Computer Engineering: $71,700<br />Chemical Engineering: $67,600<br />Computer Science: $64,800<br />Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering: $64,400<br />Mechanical Engineering: $64,000<br />Electrical/Electronics and Communications Engineering: $63,400<br />Management Information Systems/Business: $63,100<br />Engineering Technology: $62,200<br />Finance: $57,400<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/atwork/2013/04/29/and-the-highest-paid-college-majors-are/" target="_blank">WSJ</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/kLnqKs4dOG4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2013/05/top-paying-engineering-majors-in-2013.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-18296394102493741012013-01-06T11:30:00.001-05:002013-01-06T11:30:23.753-05:00Higher Distribution Voltage for Server Efficiency IncreaseSeveral years ago Google&nbsp;suggested an <a href="http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2007/05/power-supply-efficiency-increase.html">open standard</a> for desktop&nbsp;PC power supplies with a single 12V rail instead of multiple rails. The point was the higher buss voltage the higher overall PC PSU efficiency. <br /><br />This year&nbsp;Google power designers are going to present at <a href="http://www.designcon.com/santaclara/conference/tracks.php?session_id=186" target="_blank">DesignCon 2013</a> their strategies for&nbsp;reducing&nbsp;energy losses in&nbsp;servers, including&nbsp;DC-DC regulator architectures as well as higher voltage distribution. Google apparently is going to make a case that&nbsp;higher distribution voltage levels improve overall conversion efficiency. Obviously,&nbsp;raising&nbsp;the buss voltage&nbsp;will lower conduction losses. On the other hand, switching losses in downstream DC-DC regulators will increase. In addition to this,&nbsp;you will need to use higher voltage MOSFETs whose characteristics generally degrade with their rated voltage. That's why it&nbsp;will be interesting to see&nbsp;their experimental results and&nbsp; conclusions on optimal distribution level.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/nr0Yz4lc9ZA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2013/01/higher-distribution-voltage-for-server.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-76196976906855806012012-11-03T23:52:00.002-04:002012-11-03T23:54:17.329-04:00Recall of Champion Portable Generators Sold at CostcoThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13026.html" trget="_blank">recall</a> of about 8,600 portable generators manufactured by Champion Power Equipment, of Santa Fe Springs, CA. The cause of the recall is gasoline can leak from the generator's carburetor, posing a fire hazard. There have been 11 reports of fuel leaking from the generators, including eight reports of the generators catching fire. The recalled model numbers are 41332 (8250 watt) and 41532 (9000 watt). These models were made in China and sold at Costco.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/X-dYCRbljhg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/11/recall-champion-portable-generators.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-70646767714130441852012-10-29T12:25:00.001-04:002012-10-30T16:57:59.551-04:00Hurricane Sandy- Interactive Map with Latest Information Google has created an interactive map for Hurricane Sandy. You can zoom in the map, select a location and find the latest information on the storm location, forecast track, shelter addresses, power outages, and other related data. Just check or uncheck options in the layers menu. You can also switch between a map and a satellite view. And if you lost power, remember- never run a portable generator indoors and in direct rain.<br /><br /><iframe height="400" src="http://google.org/crisismap/2012-sandy?hl=en&amp;llbox=47.37%2C30.72%2C-48.93%2C-91.51&amp;t=CM_CUSTOM_MAP_TYPE&amp;layers=1337617652397%2C2%2C1337716071386&amp;promoted&amp;embedded=true" style="border-bottom: #ccc 1px solid; border-left: #ccc 1px solid; border-right: #ccc 1px solid; border-top: #ccc 1px solid;" width="400"></iframe><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/x4HvexduO5E" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-interactive-map-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-51928250927492130892012-09-28T08:09:00.000-04:002012-10-29T21:43:22.865-04:00Google and Green Renewable EnergyGoogle is increasingly using renewable energy. Previously they've announced their commitment to carbon neutrality in 2007. They have already invested $94 million in four solar photovoltaic (PV) generators near Sacramento, CA. (See <a href="http://www.factsaboutsolarenergy.us/solar-generator.html">what is PV generator</a> and how it works). These projects have PV systems with a total capacity of 88 MW. Now Google signed an agreement with their utility to supply their Oklahoma data center with 48 MW of wind energy from the Canadian Hills Wind Project. <br /><br />So, let's do a little math. Depending on the utility's territory, the green power generally costs from 0.5 to 2.5 cents per kilowatt hour more than regular electricity. Assuming the best deal, which is extra $0.05/kWh, each MWh is extra $50. Then 48 MW adds extra 50x48=$2400 each hour. Over an entire year 48 MW of green electricity may cost Google 2400x24x365=$21 million dollars more. In reality, their losses may be less because renewable energy systems rarely work at their maximum capacity. On the other hand, they can be as much as $100 million is they will be charged extra 2.5 cents per kWh. <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/more-renewable-energy-for-our-data.html" target="_blank">Read more</a> about Google "green" energy activity.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/wLH6RlJ5GR4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/09/google-is-increasingly-using-renewable.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-24921535218057992452012-08-20T13:27:00.001-04:002014-01-30T14:28:34.892-05:00China Safety Standard- Higher Clearance for Power SuppliesWe used to think that if our power supply design meets IEC or corresponding UL requirements for a given application, we would automatically meet most national standards of other countries. Now, the main ITE Standard in China GB 4943.1-2011 appears to set more stringent requirements to ITE equipment. Although in general, GB 4943.1-2011 is based on IEC 60950-1 2nd addition, it includes certain deviations. Particularly, par.1.1.2 states that unless specified by manufacturer, the equipment is to be used up to 5000m altitude above sea level. Therefore, in the absence of the marking of par.1.7.2.1 specifying the altitude below 2,000 m, the equipment shall comply with the requirements for 5000m altitude. For such equipment, the minimum electrical clearance has to be multiplied by the factor of 1.48.<br />In many offline SMPS the minimum UL required creepage between primary and secondary circuits is 6.4mm. If both primary and secondary circuits are located on the same side of PCB, this number also determines the spacing (clearance) between the circuits. With the new China standard that goes into effect December 1, 2012, this spacing will now have to be greater than 9 mm. Note that GB 4943.1-2011 will apply to not only the devices for use in the China, but to all those produced there too. So, if you manufacture power supplies in China, in my understanding, you either need to redesign the PCB and replace certain surface mount optocouplers (if any), or add a warning label showing that your PSU is not for use above 2000m.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/cD1xR9U7Iuo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/08/china-standard-higher-clearance-for.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-29920085255167807582012-07-01T15:53:00.001-04:002013-08-11T18:14:17.913-04:00Connecting An Emergency Generator<br />There are two basic methods of connecting your devices to an emergency power generators:<br /><ul><li>Via a pre-wired transfer switch;</li><li>Via extension cords.</li></ul>The transfer switch method&nbsp;can be&nbsp;used for both stationary and portable generators.&nbsp;Portable generators are connected via a <strong>manual</strong> transfer switch. The stationary <a href="http://www.smps.us/home-generators.html">standby home systems</a> usually use an <strong>automatic</strong> transfer switch. It automatically isolates your home from the grid and starts up the&nbsp;generator when it detects a power outage. <br />A transfer switch installation and wiring requires a licensed electrician and obviously takes time. If you are caught off-guard by a blackout, you’ve got to use a portable genset with extension cords. This is the case today, when more than 3 million people in mid-Atlatic are still without power after a sudden storm. Unlike hurricanes that give you about a week of warning, this storm gave all the impact of a hurricane without any warning. Unfortunately, the extension cords can be used only for cord-and-plug appliances. Connecting lights and hard-wired appliances to a portable generator will not be simple. There are some emergency methods of <a href="http://www.generatorsforhomeuse.us/connect-generator-to-home/">connecting hard-wired devices</a>, but they may require a professional help. In any case, here are the main two things you need to remember: <br /><ul><li>Whenever you run a generator, it must be isolated from the utility lines;</li><li>A generator can be run only outdoors with exhaust pipe located away from house.</li></ul><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/O4rnkfwtOZI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/07/connecting-emergency-generator.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-65454796482628555152012-04-22T17:47:00.001-04:002013-08-11T18:15:59.108-04:00New Proposed Efficiency Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power SuppliesU.S. Department of Energy recently issued Battery Chargers and External Power Supply (BCEPS) Notice of Proposed Rule. DOE proposes amended efficiency standards for Class A external power supplies (EPSs) and new standards for non-Class A EPSs and battery chargers. The proposed standards set the minimum average efficiency in active mode and the maximum power consumption in no-load mode as a function of the nameplate output power. The greatest challenge for SMPS power supply designers in my view will be the proposed limit of maximum power in no-load mode. For EPS below 50 watt it will be &lt;0.1 watt. Since a power supply has to be able to “wake up” when connected to a load, it needs to keep active certain control circuit. Keeping a consumption of an off-line bias supply below 0.1 W will be a real challenge. <br /><br />The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will hold a public meeting on May 2, 2012 to discuss the analyses presented and issues identified in the <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/final_bceps_nopr_notice_only_opt.pdf" target="_blank">Notice</a> of Proposed Rulemaking and Technical Support Document. These proposed standards, if adopted, would apply to all applicable&nbsp;external power supplies&nbsp;manufactured in, or imported into, the United States on or after July 1, 2013.<br /><br />At abote the same time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-26/pdf/2012-7105.pdf" target="_blank">notice</a> of proposed rulemaking about Consumer Products and Industrial Equipment Non compliant with applicable Energy Conservation or Labeling Standards. CBP will refuse admission into the customs territory of the United States to consumer products and industrial equipment deemed non compliant with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA).<br /><br />I feel&nbsp;our government is just one step short of stopping&nbsp;anyone&nbsp;at the border for carrying a cell phone with non-efficiency-compliant charger.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/gBNqnZzL4ao" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-proposed-efficiency-standards-for.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-22463023582632553612012-03-15T23:01:00.003-04:002012-03-15T23:25:48.679-04:00Global Warming: No Need to PanicRecently, Nobel Prize winner physicist Ivar <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Giaever</span> publicly resigned from the American Physical Society (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">APS</span>) with a letter that begins: "I did not renew because I cannot live with the [<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">APS</span> policy] statement: 'The evidence is incontrovertible: Global warming is occurring. If no mitigating actions are taken, significant disruptions in the Earth's physical and ecological systems, social systems, security and human health are likely to occur. We must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases beginning now.' In the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">APS</span> it is OK to discuss whether the mass of the proton changes over time and how a multi-universe behaves, but the evidence of global warming is incontrovertible?"<br /><br />A <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204301404577171531838421366.html" target="_blank">statement</a> signed by 16 scientists such as William <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kininmonth</span>, former head of climate research at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology; Rodney Nichols, former president and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences; William <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Happer</span>, professor of physics, Princeton and others says: "...Speaking for many scientists and engineers who have looked carefully and independently at the science of climate, we have a message to any candidate for public office: There is no compelling scientific argument for drastic action to "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">decarbonize</span>" the world's economy. Even if one accepts the inflated climate forecasts of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">IPCC</span>, aggressive greenhouse-gas control policies are not justified economically..."<br /><br />In a <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203646004577213244084429540.html" target="_blank">subsequent letter</a>, these scientists noted: "A premature global-scale transition from hydrocarbon fuels would require massive government intervention to support the deployment of more expensive energy technology. If there were economic advantages to investing in technology that depends on taxpayer support, companies like Beacon Power, Evergreen Solar, Solar <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Millenium</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">SpectraWatt</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solyndra</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ener</span>1 and the Renewable Energy Development Corporation would be prospering instead of filing for bankruptcy in only the past few months.<br />The European experience with green technologies has also been discouraging. A study found that every new "green job" in Spain destroyed more than two existing jobs and diverted capital that would have created new jobs elsewhere in the economy. More recently, European governments have been cutting subsidies for expensive CO2-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">emissionless</span> energy technologies, not what one would expect if such subsidies were stimulating otherwise languid economies. And as we pointed out in our op-ed, it is unlikely that there will be any environmental benefit from the reduced CO2 emissions associated with green technologies, which are based on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">demonization</span> of CO2."<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/byYemGGBHQE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/03/global-warming-no-need-to-panic.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-65619801732788820982012-02-01T18:09:00.006-05:002012-02-01T21:22:29.338-05:00LushLife® Power Strips Recall<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_GKzHABRFk/TynH63Dqy8I/AAAAAAAAAbA/QLpy6NenCCE/s1600/power_strips.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 138px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704310217067121602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_GKzHABRFk/TynH63Dqy8I/AAAAAAAAAbA/QLpy6NenCCE/s200/power_strips.jpg" target="_blank" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with The Container Store Inc., of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Coppell</span>, Texas, <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12097.html" target="_blank">announced</a> a voluntary recall of power strips made by Lush Life® due to fire hazard.<br />The recalled strips are brightly colored and have six outlets. Their model number is 8001-6.<br /><br />Note that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lushlife</span>® disputes these findings and claims their product meets applicable safety standards. </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/kIC2A0QENC8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/02/lushlife-power-strips-recall.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-49148922171777814322012-01-24T15:40:00.004-05:002012-02-17T11:15:33.143-05:00Converting Waste Heat to ElectricityA company called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nextreme</span> Thermal Solutions, based in Durham, N.C developed a thermoelectric generator (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">eTEG</span>) that converts heat directly to low-level electrical power. Their technology uses the Seebeck Effect in which the temperature difference between two metals creates an electrical potential difference. Their generator uses Linear Technology <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">LTC</span> 3108 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ultralow</span> voltage step-up converter and power manager chip and can produce voltages up to 5V at power level up to 1 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">mW</span> on a temperature difference of 15 to 20°K (the temperature difference in Kelvin is the same as in Celsius). Higher temperature gradients will result in higher power. Such devices can be used to feed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">micropower</span> wireless and battery-free sensors. Unfortunately, the <a href="http://eetweb.com/power-supplies/plumbing-power-energy-harvesting-1111" target="_blank"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">eTEG</span></a> power levels are not sufficient to increase efficiency of power supplies by recycling heat energy from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">heatsinks</span>. Also unfortunately, the prices starting at about $500 make this technology cost-prohibitive for regular consumers and hobbyists. By the way, the thermoelectric effect has been known for almost two centuries since Thomas Johann Seebeck discovered that electrical current flows between two dissimilar metals which have different temperatures.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/flX7z83qSvQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2012/01/converting-waste-heat-to-electricity.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22789208.post-78790715441274625812011-12-13T13:41:00.005-05:002012-02-17T11:12:39.489-05:00Energy Efficient TV with 0 Watt Standby ModeToshiba Corp is reportedly releasing a 32 inch (visual size) LCD TV model "Regza 32BE3" equipped with its so-called "Eco Chip." The Eco Chip consumption current is said to be as low as about 95μA. This chip is used to detect ON signals from the remote control after the TV is turned off. It cuts off the AC power entirely through a relay as if you an unplugged TV. As the result, the power consumption in standby mode is 0 watt. The relay and the sensor that receive signals from the remote are powered by a large storage capacitor. Unfortunately, the <a href="http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20111127/201950/" target="_blank">report</a> does not state the size of this capacitor and what happens when you leave the TV off for a long time. I guess either the chip needs to turn on the relay and re-activate standby bias supply before the cap is discharged too low, or you would need to turn on the TV by hand if the cap is discharged. Also they did not state power consumtpion or internal power supply efficiency in active mode (I wonder if they use <a href="http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2010/07/true-bridgeless-pfc-power-supply.html">bridgeless PFC</a> front end?) In any case, such a "zero power standby" circuit is cute, but it is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Obviously, you need to charge the storage cap during on-mode of the TV set. Whatever energy you save in 0W standby mode you need to spend to put this energy into this cap.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ElectricGeneratorsAndPowerSupplies/~4/eUVMVxBqATg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lazar Rozenblathttps://plus.google.com/113311276385445347688noreply@blogger.com0http://smps-power.blogspot.com/2011/12/energy-efficient-tv-with-0-watt-standby.html